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Authoring Autism On Rhetoric And Neurological Queerness

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Authoring Autism: on Rhetoric and Neurological Queerness

Introduction to Neurological Queerness

Authoring Autism: On Rhetoric and Neurological Queerness introduces a transformative framework for understanding Autism not as a disorder to be fixed, but as a form of neurological queerness that challenges conventional rhetoric and communication norms. This Critical Autism Studies perspective reframes autistic embodiment as a legitimate way of being that expands our understanding of human expression and communication.

The work challenges pathologizing narratives by examining how autistic people have been systematically silenced within clinical frameworks and behavioral interventions that prioritize conformity over authentic self-expression. By analyzing autistic rhetoric through the lens of queer theory, this approach reveals how neurodivergent embodiment represents a form of resistance against normative standards of communication and social interaction.

Narrative Constructivism and Autism

Autism As Social Narrative

Autism has been constructed primarily through narrative means—stories told by clinicians, parents, researchers, and educators rather than by autistic individuals themselves. This narrative constructivism positions Autistic people as objects of study rather than agents of their own stories, creating a fundamental power imbalance in how Autism is understood and represented.

The prevailing clinical narratives often frame autistic traits as deficits to be remedied rather than as variations in human neurocognitive functioning. This deficit-based approach ignores the strength-based perspective that recognizes how autistic cognition can provide unique insights and capabilities that benefit society as a whole.

Challenging Pathologizing Discourse

Pathologizing discourse surrounding Autism treats neurodivergent traits as inherently problematic or disordered. This medicalized framework ignores how many difficulties faced by autistic individuals stem from environmental barriers and social exclusion rather than from autism itself.

The social model of disability provides an alternative framework that understands disability as arising from the mismatch between individual needs and environmental accommodations. When applied to Autism, this model shifts focus from “fixing” Autistic people to creating more inclusive environments that respect neurodivergent ways of being.

Demi-Rhetoricity and Communication

Understanding Non-Normative Expression

Demi-rhetoricity describes forms of communication that exist outside traditional rhetorical conventions but remain meaningful and expressive. Many autistic communication patterns demonstrate demi-rhetorical qualities—expressing thoughts, emotions, and intentions through means that may not conform to neurotypical expectations.

These non-normative expressions include:

Clinical Frameworks and Communication Control

Clinical frameworks often attempt to normalize autistic communication through behavioral interventions that suppress natural expressions in favor of neurotypical patterns. This approach assumes that social integration requires abandoning autistic ways of being rather than teaching neurotypical people to understand and respect neurodivergent communication.

The emphasis on eye contact, social scripts, and camouflaging techniques reflects a broader pattern of demanding that disabled individuals conform to able-bodied norms rather than creating genuinely inclusive spaces that value diverse communication styles.

Aba and Behavioral Control

Critiques of Compliance-Based Interventions

ABA represents one of the most controversial approaches to autism treatment, primarily because it focuses on eliminating autistic behaviors rather than addressing individual needs or supporting authentic development. The fundamental problem lies in viewing autistic traits as inherently problematic and requiring correction.

This compliance-based approach can teach autistic children that their natural ways of moving, communicating, and interacting are wrong, potentially leading to:

Alternatives to Behavioral Modification

Instead of focusing on behavior modification, supportive approaches for autistic individuals should prioritize:

These alternatives align with neurodiversity-affirming practices that view autistic traits as natural variations rather than problems to be solved.

Neuroqueer Theory and Embodied Rhetoric

The Concept of Neuroqueerness

Neuroqueerness emerges from the intersection of queer theory and neurodiversity studies, proposing that neurodivergent embodiment represents a form of queer resistance against normative expectations. This framework recognizes how autistic ways of being challenge fundamental assumptions about human cognition, communication, and social organization.

The neuroqueer approach celebrates:

Embodied Rhetoric and Autistic Expression

Embodied rhetoric recognizes that communication occurs through the entire body, not just through conventional language. Many autistic people express themselves through:

This expanded understanding of rhetoric validates autistic expression as meaningful and sophisticated, even when it doesn’t follow neurotypical conventions.

Practical Applications and Strategies

Self-Advocacy and Identity Formation

For autistic individuals, developing self-advocacy skills involves:

Creating Inclusive Environments

Supporting neurodivergent individuals requires creating environments that:

Community and Collective Action

Autistic-led Advocacy

Autistic-led advocacy represents a crucial shift from historical patterns where non-Autistic “experts” spoke for Autistic people without their input or consent. This movement emphasizes:

Building Neurodivergent Community

Creating supportive neurodivergent communities involves:

Conclusion: Toward Neurodiversity Justice

Authoring Autism: On Rhetoric and Neurological Queerness provides a framework for understanding how autistic embodiment represents not a deficit but a form of embodied knowledge that challenges and expands our understanding of human communication, cognition, and social organization. By recognizing neurological queerness as valuable rather than problematic, we move toward a more inclusive vision of human diversity that honors all ways of being.

This perspective calls for radical transformation in how we understand disability, normality, and human potential. It challenges us to imagine worlds where neurodivergent people are not merely accommodated but celebrated for the unique perspectives and capabilities they bring to our collective human experience.

Resources and Further Reading

This knowledge base entry synthesizes critical perspectives from autism studies, queer theory, and disability justice movements. Content is intended for educational purposes and should not substitute for professional advice or Support.